I am in need of a moan, I have worked since I left school at 16. I only had a break to bring up my children to school age then went back to work part time. In 2007 I was diagnosed with RA carried on working. Then in 2010 I had an accident which resulted in a broken hip and wrist and MRSA. A year later my Mum died oh and I forgot to say I lost my job prior to this. Now here we are 2013 and no one wants to employ me. I am too ill to work now but I am struggling to get any help. As you will all know it is so hard now to get the benefits we are entitled to. I was always bought up to keep things private and to have a pride in myself so I will keep putting the lippy on and will live to fight another day. Just needed to offload it has really helped. Thanks for reading this. Sorry for the self pity. Sharon

17 Replies

Sharon you did right posting your self pity on here - I think it's entirely legitimate to moan about this when you've worked and paid taxes since you were 16.It's a horrible climate that makes us feel bad for turning to the state when fates have stacked things so rudely against us. I hope you get what you are entitled to - which is clearly a lot. Tilda x

Sharon it is out there in the ether and i hope you feel brighter for letting it out. It is so hard when you have worked all your life and now in your hour of need there doesn't appear to be the help you need. Go into the job centre and see what they can do to help you. Also go to c.a.b. as they are good at helping people in their hour of need. I pray things will soon pick up for you.xxxxx

Hi Sharon, I read your comments and I don't think It's self pity to explain that you have worked hard, contributed to the greater good and discovered that the National Insurance you paid is not really for you. It's a punitive benefits system designed to make it difficult for RA sufferers to access the funds they have paid.

So much beaurocracy and suspicion when you are in pain is far from easy and its understandable that you become frustrated - I have had a brief encounter with Atos et al whilst claiming ESA. They had the biggest impact on my mental health in the last 12 months. Good luck Janet, you have had more than most could cope with - keep going! Cal

Thanx, I inherited my mother in law's angel ornaments after she received her own beautiful wings, and they helped us through the rough time of loosing both my mother and father in law within days of each other.

I have since added to the collection and it now has grown into a large collection and my room is painted pale metallic purple.

Everyone loves it and they feel calm and comfortable, they never struggle for ideas for presents for me.

Just read your blog, it's not fair. The government of the day have resurrected the deserving / undeserving people, it seems anyone no matter who claims are undeserving. I bet David cameron didn't think so when he accessed social service provision for his son.

My doctor, told me last week to apply for ESA because I'm entitled to it, it's my entitlement. Like u I've always worked and paid in. There's a clue in what it's called National Insurance. I can't praise Citizen Advice Bureau enough. Perhaps u need to go and see them. Take care, know you're not alone, there are people who are sympathetic.

Thank you so much for your comments. I have applied for ESA and I hope I get it. After nearly dying in hospital three years ago I said I would never worry again. However we all need money to live. I look back over my Mums life and the hardships she had but she was an inspiration how she coped. I pray she is looking over me and that she will help me. All I want is enough money to live on. Good luck with your ESA.

You are right , continue with that attitude. I succeeded with ESA , am awaiting date for tribunal regarding dla now! It's wrong we have to put up such a fight, but I'm thinking if my fight enlightens the minds of those involved as to our condition, it may make it less of a fight for someone else with our condition. Plus, the money is jolly useful!!